Eggnog

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This article is about the milk-based beverage. For the Melvins album, see Eggnog (album).

Eggnog (or egg nog) is a type of milk-based beverage popular in North America during the winter. Historically, it likely belongs to the posset family. But its actual origins, significance and, most importantly, ingredients are subject to dispute and conjecture. The name is a concatenation of egg and nog, where nog derives either from noggin (ale or a small wooden cup) or from grog (an alcoholic beverage made with rum). It is most likely that eggnog originated in Europe. Another origin story has it that it was an occasional fortifying drink in the American colonies, who adapted it with cheap rum to make it a more formidable winter treat.

Modern eggnog typically consists of milk, eggs, and sugar mixed together and may be served with or without added spirits. Other ingredients include spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, or allspice, and frequently the substitution of cream for some portion of the milk, making a much richer drink. Other toppings are vanilla ice cream, eggnog flavored ice cream, and whipped cream.

Eggnog is typically served as a Christmas drink or during New Year's eve. Historically, however, it is a winter beverage, not a holiday-specific one. Although eggnog can be produced from "homemade" recipes, ready-made eggnog containing alcohol and "just-add-alcohol" versions are available for purchase in a variety of stores. Whisky, rum, brandy, or cognac can be added to eggnog. Since the 1960s, eggnog has been served cold and without alcohol, both of which are significant departures from its historical origins. In North America, a few soymilk manufacturers offer seasonally-available, soy-based alternatives for vegans and those with dairy or milk allergies. Eggnog also can be added as a flavouring to food or other drinks.